Latest update from a call to Flybe when changing a rewards for all ticket this morning:

1 - Current Premier card lounge passes are stopping

2 - Avios have a "similar" scheme to use points for lounge access, so that's what to use now.

As I'd been waiting on the phone listening to the messages about the changes to the R4A scheme and the "you find all you answers at flybe.com" - which plainly isn't true re the premiser card - I asked whey there was no information in this respect on the website. The answer I got from a supervisor was that "they had forgotten about it" - I suggested it may be helpful to put that on the website! Personally my suspicion is that they have left it off on purpose as it's a significant loss, certainly in my case.

When I look at the Avios lounge scheme: http://www.avios.com/gb/en_gb/spend/lounge-pass followed up by a confirmation phone call Avios, the scheme is not like the premier card, as you have to book each lounge visit separately.

So on one of my currently typical return flights, eg KOI-EDI-BHX and return, I’d now need to book 3 separate lounge visits. And with flying some 90 UK sectors a year, that's a lot of hassle and points.

Must admit, I was also put off by the website's "Want to mix with fellow VIPs?" "join the elite at over 150 airport VIP lounges". No thanks - I just want somewhere quiet to work while in transit and a few snacks. And anyone who thinks ABZ Servisair lounge is elite, is going to be rather disappointed!

The result as it looks now is that I'll try get my last premier pass this December, and then just buy a £259 unlimited priority pass, which also has the benefit that I can use it when flying with anyone else, eg on the KOI-EDI-LHR route.

The downside is for Flybe - but I guess they think this is a price worth paying - is that it means I'm more likely to fly with competitors now.

Hope that's helpful - any other ideas or comments welcome.

S